* ,:> C-' 



Ol{) GEAND CELEBEATIOJST 

^ A- /■ IN HONOR OF THE PASSAGE OF THE 



BY THE 



PEEE STATE COlf VEIf TION, 



ON THE 



ELEVENTH DAY OF MAY, 1864. 



HELD IN THE 



Place d'Armes, New-Orleans, June 11th, 



WITH THE 



PROGRAMME, PROCEEDINGS, SPEECHES BY REV. DR. ROGERS, 
FRANCIS BOISDORE, REV. W. A. DOVE, &c. &c. 

ALSO THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 
OF NEW ORLEANS, 

AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES, &c. 

HELD FIRST AUGUST, 1864. 



• > < a»^»« 



NEW ORLEANS, 
p. p. LATHROP, PRINTER, 74 Magazine Street, 
1864. . 



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XA"^ 



ZN'otice. 

It has been said by persons, both far and near, that the colored man has no intel 
ligence, and that when sot free he will network ; but we propose to test that mat 
ter, by showing to the world both the intelligence and industry of the colored 
naen and women. Ouly give us a free man's chance and have a little patience and 
•vre will manifest to the world, the true spirit of our Nationality. 

Permit us then in our humble cottages of the South, to announce the name of 
our patrotic brother, i\ev. Dr. Stephen Walter Rogers, who was born and raised a 
slave in the Soiith. who educated himself, principally at night schools. He pub- 
lished a beautiful little work in 1850 called " Roger's Composition,'' and this was 
done two years before he was free, and with that we have his two Orations. Be!f><ies 
this we we have the Oration of Mr. Francis Boisdord, a French gentleman, who 
was free born and raised in this City. We also have the Life of our able brother, 
Fredrick Douglas, who was also born a slave ; and with the above we can test our 
talents. Dr. Charles Johnson, Dentist, paid for his freedom $4,500. Jack Smith, 
$1,400, William Washington and family $3,000, and there are many others, 
vi-ho have paid as much, or iHore— and that will test our industrj' ; and your 
Connnittee were all slaves once. Sufhce to say, that surrounded as we are by a wall 
of law abiding citizens, and our Christian churches, we will move on in one 
Union Band protecting each other through life, and any man amongst us who 
shall show himself a peaceble Law abiding man shall be protected. 

ESAU CARTER. 1 C HENRY BERRYMAN, 

.JOHN JONES, I r^ -n r) • *• I J'^'HN F. WINSTON, 

MITCHELL sTURGESS, Y Committee ou rrintiDg. ■< .iacob johnson, 

Dr. B. SMITH, \ I EDWARD SIMMS, 

CHARLES HUGHES, -' , ^ JOSEPH LACY. 



New Orleans, August 7 th, 1864. 

Mesirs. Carter, Lacy, Hughes, and otJwrs, Committee'on Printing : 

Gentlemen : 

Please give place in your Pamplet to the following recommandation of 
Mn. Mary A. Drice, principal of the Pioneer School, to which some of the little mem- 
bers of my family belong. Her unwearied labors among us for the elevation of 
our race, and as a Union lady, richly deserve the highest approval of all Union' 
Citizens. 

Respectfully, 

S. W. ROGERS, 



Factor, St. Thomas' Church. 






J^O 



The Free State Convention of Louisiana liaving on the 11th day 
of May decreed the abolition of Slavery thrtiiighoiit the State, the 
colored people of the city of New Orleans met together in Mass 
Meeting and resolved to celebrate the event in an appropriate^ 
manner. Saturday, 11th June, was agreed upon as the time; for the 
celebration to take place. A committee was appointed to make all 
suitable arrangements, who promulgated the following 

OiiDEK, OF- IPIiOCE.SSIOlV. 

The f^rand place of assembly will be at Congo S(|uare, on Rampart street, at 
1(J o'clock A. M., where the oration will be delivered, after which the procession 
will move up Rampart street to Canal, up Canal (soutli side) to Carondelet street, 
up Caronde let to Triton Walk, up Triton Walk to St. Charles, up St. Charles to 
Fourth, up E^ourth to Coliseum, down C(jliseum and into Camp, down Camp to 
Julia, down Julia to St. Charles, down St. Charles to Royal, down Royal to 
lower Railroad, down Railroad to Craps, up Craps to Rampart, up Rampart to Con- 
go Square, where the procession will break ranks. 

First District. 

ESAU CARTER, Grand Marshal ; HENRY CLAY, CHAS. HUGHS, 
WADE HAMPTON, Deputies. 
Military Escort with Music. 
Clera^ymen. 
Dr. S. W. Roger's, Crator of the Day. 
FRANCIS BOISDORE, Orator in French. 
The '-Pioneer School." 
All Benevolent Societies in order. 
Public Schools of the First District. 
Wagons with Young Ladies representing the States. 

Second District. 

Captain. Eug. MEILLEUR, Grand Marshal ; N. VILLEREE, A. POPULUS 

and B. JOURDAIN, Deputies. 

Veterans of 1814 and 1815. 

Cities and State Authorities. 

Free State Committee, 

CLUBS-Republican, Radical, Economy Association, "Arts and Metiers, Invited 

Guests, United Brothers, Congregation, and others Societies in order. 

Schools, Second District. 

Third District. 

Capt. Louis Lainey, Grand Marshal ; John Kepperd, Edward Simms, Deputies. 

Carriages with Capt. Caillou's family, ex-Ofticers and Privates of the First, 

Second, Sixth and Seventh Regiments Louisiana Native Guards. 

and Volunteers. 

SOCIETIES- Artisan, Amis, Fran9ais Amis, and other Benevolent Institutions. 

Public Schools, Third District. 

Fourtli District. 

THOMAS M. POREE, Grand Marshal ; Dr. R. Smith and John Scott, JDeputiea. 

Col. HANKS and Friends of Freedom. 

Ships Hartford and Albatross. 

Benevolent Associations. 

Mechanics in Wagons. 

The Public in general. 

Public Schools, Fourth District, 

National Salute. 



4 EMANCIPATION CETEBRATION 

N. B.-Bouligny, CurroUton and Greenville arc respectfully invited to join in the 
Procession- -each to choose their Grand Marshal. 

Wo, the undersigned Committee of Arrangements, do hereby tender our sincere 
thanks to Major Gen. Banks and Gov. M. Hahn for offering such assistance and 
protection as are necessary for the occasion . 

All banners or transparencies having letters painted on them of an aggravated 
character, are strictly forbidden by this Committee, and any person or persons ac- 
ting any way contrary to the above sliaJI be held strictly accountable for the 
same. 

COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. 

S. W. Rogers, Esau Carter, Thos. M. Porde, 

H. Clay, John Keppard, N. Viller^e. 



Approved. 



LIIDGER POGUILLE, 

Grand Marshal of the day. 
CHAS. BULLER, ] 

P. Z. CANONGE, [ Grand Deputies. 

ALEX. BARBER. ) 



THE EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION. 



From the Nffw Orleans Era, June 12, 18G4. 

Place d'Armes, formerly called Congo Square, and its surroundings were swarm- 
ing with thousands of our colored population yesterday. At an early hour the 
diiferent parts of the city where colored schools ar? located, or colored societies 
meet, became alive with them dressed in their holiday attire and ornamented 
with national flags, and colors. About nine o'clock they began to move towards 
the place appointed for meeting — Congo Square — and at about half-past eleven 
o'clock they had all arrived, the majority of them accompanied by field-bands, 
and with banners and flags floating in the breeze. 

In the square a large platform, rising in the form of an amphitheatre, had been 
erected, with a stand for the speakers. The platform was decorated with flags 
and evergreens, and seats were arranged on and in front of it. The speakers' 
stand was covered by a large awning, underneath we formd a number of ladies, 
teachers of the colored schools established by Gen. Banks. Among those present 
on the platform, we noticed old Jourdan and some fifteen or sixteen of the colored 
veterans of 181.'). Some of them appeared as stong and hearty as the day when 
they showed their devotion to the glorious stars and stripes. 

The proceedings were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr Forrest, who, as well 
as the other speakers, was introduced by Mr. C. C Morgan. 

He called on all to thank Almighty God for his goodness, which allowed them 
to come together on this eleventh day of June, 1864, to celebrate the breaking of 
t;ie chains of slavery. Thousands of their brethren had looked in vain for relief, 
but they were the ones privileged to enjoy liberty. He prayed that God would 
give the Union armies strong arms to hel]) in breaking down this rebellion, and 
the chains of Slavery. He call On God to bless the Army of Virginia, bless Gen. 
Banks, and give Gen. Grant strength to fight the battles of his country. Ble.ss 
Abrtm Lincoln, the President of the United States, and may he be President for 
the next four years. God bless the Convention and all the speakers of to day. 



c^^/ 



EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION 5 

A song in honor of emancipation was sung by the children, under the direction 
of the Rev. C. A. Conway. After which the following address was delived by the 
Rev. S. W. Rogers, the orator of the day. Mr. Rogers, although a colored man, 
spoke of the war, the existence and down fall of slavery, and other prominent 
topics before the country, in a manner that showed his thorough knowledge of 
thesuljects. He returned thanks to Major General Banks, for the interest he 
had taken in, and the benefits he had conferred upon them, since he took com- 
mand of this Department. The whole colored population would ever bless his 
name for the golden educational order, by which so many were being enlightened ; 
his instructions to the delegates to the Convention ; and most of all, for his great 
free labor system, by which his (the speaker's) race were made men, all of which 
had given the highest satisfaction to the colored people throughout the State. 
He also thanked Col Hanks, Gov. Hahn, and one or two others, for their labors 
in behalf of the colored man. 

During the time he was speaking, Gen. Banks, Gov. Hahn, Mayor Hoyt, to- 
gether with some of the General's staff, appeared on the platform, and were greet- 
ed by tremendous cheers from the assembled thousands, and the children singing 
a national air. The speaker delivered his address in a manner scarcely surpassed 
by many of our white orators, and was often interrupted by long and continued 
applause. 

He was followed by Mr. F. Boisdor^ in French, who was also frequently inter- 
rupted by applause. 

After he closed, Governor Hahn being called on, remarked that he had not 
come there to take any active part in the proceedings, but merely as a looker on ; 
he was highly pleased with the propriety, order and zeal, with which all the pro- 
ceedings had been carried on, and their conduct to-day would convince any one of 
their fitness for freedom. 

When in the month of February he had made the declaration, that if he was 
elected governor, no slave should be in Louisiana after his inauguration, some 
of his friends had thought it premature, but the subsecpient election for members 
of the Convention, showed that he was sustained in his declai'ation by the people. 

As for the powers of the Convention, he considered their act of emancipation 
binding on the people. He did not consider it just that a man should be held as 
a slave, because his skin was black or any other color. 

About 12 o'clock, during the progress of the speeches. Capt. Pearson's battery 
fired a salute of one hundred guns, by order of Gen. Banks, and one hundred 
taps were struck by the Alarm Telepraph on the city bells, by order of Mayor 
Hoyt. 

After Gov. Hahn concluded, the procession began to file out of the square on 
Rampart street, headed by the 4th U. S. Cavalry (colored) on foot and followed 
by one or two other colored regiments 

We were stationed on Rampart street, and observed the procession as it passed 
along, according to the programme published in the city papers, with music play- 
ing and banners flying. 

First came the military— three regimens of colored soldiers — looking extremely 
well, and marching like well-drilled soldiers. Then came the different societies, 
each with its appropriate banners ; then the pupils of the public school ; then the 
veterans of 1814 and 1815 ; City and State authorities, and Free State Committee. 
Then the different Clubs — Republican, Radical, Economy Association, Arts and 
Metiers, invited guests. United Brothers. Congregation and other societies. Then 
came carriages, with Capt. Caillou's family, ex-Officers and privates of the First, 
Second, Sixth and Seventh Regiments, Louisiana Native Guards and Volunteers. 
Societies — Artisan, Amis, Fran9ais Amis, and other benevolent institutions. Then 
came Col. Hanks and friends of Freedom, gun boat Varuna, Capt. Harris and offi- 
cers, benevolent associations, mechanics in wagons, etc. The procession arrived 
at Canal street, and moved up Canal to Carondelet, up Carondelet to Triton Walk, 
up Triton Walk to St. Charles, up St. Charles to Fourth, and at the corner of 
Prytania and Fourth streets, in front of Gen. Banks' residence, the head of the 



b EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION 

procession halted and gave three cheers for Gen. Banks, three cheers for Gov. 
Hahn, three cheers for Mrs. Banks, three cheers for the free State Committee, 
three cheers for the Army of the Gulf, and three cheers for old Abe. Gen. Banks, 
and Mrs. Banks, and Gov. Hahu, returned tlie conpliment by waving their 
handkerchiefs from the gallery of the General's residence, where he reviewed the 
whole procession as it passed, and received the plaudits of the grateful people, 
who were now rejoicing over the act that has ^declared them free. We here left 
the procession to wend its way down the course marked out for it. We give this 
as a simple statement of what took place yesterday in New Orleans, on the elev- 
enth day of June. Is not Emancipation a fixed fact ? 

Capt. Pearson's battery, the 15th Blassachusetts, came out at 12 o'clock, and 
fired a salute of 100 guns. This is a very attractive corps, and shows evidence of 
painstaking on the part of the officers. Their evolutions were regular and the 
firing precise, and elicited the encomiums of the spectators. Capt. Pearson may 
well feel a soldier's pride in the execution of his command. 



THE "PIONEER SCHOOL/' 
Mrs. Mary W. Brice, Teacher, 

Formed a most interesting part, which will be seen, in the general order of pro- 
cession, in front of the Benevolent Societies. 

On the large Banner, tastehilly arranged in evergreen by the pupils of this 
school, and carried in their front, were the appropriate words : 

•' The Pioneer School: opend September, 1860. We are dill marching on." 

On the smaller Banners, seven in number, of different colors, were — 

1. -'Every nutn owesit to himself to guard, protect, and cherish the Unionofthe States." 

2. ''This is the Age of Progress, and ice are for a new Civilization." 

3. ' 'Nature is our Mother, and ire are taking our place. ' ' 

4. ' 'Old things must pass aivay. ' ' 

5. " We are all for Freedojn. 

(I. ''Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, the gifts of God." 

7. " dnily, unalloyed by sectional lines— no North, no South, no East, no West— the whole 

Country !' ' 

About half-past nine o'clock, A. M., or near that time, the pupils, old and youug, 
of this school, neatly dressed for the occasion, were lormed into line at the school- 
room, and, with their teacher at their side, marched in a most orderly manner, to 
the place of assembly, (Place d'Armes,) distant about three-quarters of a mile or 
more from the school-room, attracting general attention as they passed through por- 
tions of some of the principal streets, their pretty and appropriate banners, glisten- 
ing in the sun-shine and waving to the wind. 

This school, it must be borne in mind, was opened in 1860, and has been success- 
hilly taught ever smce ; even when the city was in its darkest and most turbulent 
mood— the night that was to precede the day of Freedom — Mrs. B., aided by her 
husband, and overshadowed by a glorious Providence, stood boldly up through all. 



.3rJ"l^ 



ORATION 

Delivered by tlie Rev. Dr. S. W. Rogers, on the 11th June, 1864, 

before the grand assembly in Congo Square, (Place d'Armes,) 

New Orleans, on the Abolition of Slavery throughout the State : 

Fellow Citizens : 

We have assembled to-day in obedience to a call to celebrate the 
Act of Emancipation of the State of Louisiana, passed on the 11th 
day of May, 1864. That auspicious day is now recorded upon the 
pages of civil history, and numbered with the anniversaries of events 
which indicate a speedy national delivery of the children of Africa 
from the house of bondage. 

God has placed men, both temporal and divine, at the helm of the 
ship Civilization, and has bid them steer that vessel safely across the 
wide ocean of Heathenism, and to land the Nations safely in the 
harbor of Morality and Religion. As Civilization seems to predom- 
inate in the human heart, from the Garden of Eden even to the present 
day, Heathenism has been its opponent from time to time, and in 
its fury made war upon our earthly paradise, and after a momentary 
struggle Adam fell a victim to its prey. But Civilization revives 
again, and Heathenism makes the second assault. The struggle is 
long and tiresome, and at last God intervenes, and speaks from the 
eternal world, warning his servant, Noah, to make ready to meet the 
destruction of the nations of the earth. But Heathenism still leads 
oif, and the inhabitants of the earth attempt to build a tower 
whose summits should reach the clouds of heaven, and to plant 
thereon the flag of defiance. But the God of Heaven, whose broad 
burning eye surveys the secrets of every heart, looked down and 
changed their language into different tongues, and caused them to 
wander off into various lands. 

And as we lose sight of the nations for a moment, whilst they 
wander off and multiply the earth, our attention is called to the 
yoice of God, as he speaks from the unclouded world, and tells Moses; 



8 ORATION, 

to go down into Egypt and tell King Pharioh "to let my people go." 
Here God proclaimed the downfall of Egyptian slavery ; moreover lie 
said to Moses I am the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, 
showing that he was the God of the living and not of the dead. 
And after an acknowledgment of God's supreme power over the crown 
of Egypt, he leads the Israelites out of the House of Bondage with a 
high hand and an arm unseen by mortal man, amid the shouts of 
angels. Israel then began to multiply the earth, and to wander 
into distant lands and among foreign nations ; and all things seemed 
quiet until Columbus announced the name of America, which conti- 
nent he discovered on the 1st of October, 1492, 372 years ago, which 
excited all Europe . Expeditions were immediately fitted out for this 
side of the water, and on their arrival every thing was set in order 
for agriculture, for various trades, and for the arts and sciences , and 
whilst the inhabitants were quietly in pursuit of wealth and happi- 
ness, the peace and harmony of Boston harbor were disturbed, and 
the result was the British Government issued a declaration of war 
against this country, with a faint hope of success. The war was 
long and stubborn, but to the great surprise of Europe the golden 
Eagle with her Stripes and Stars floating in the breeze, appeared in 
the British waters, demanding the recognition of these United States 
of America. After the achievement of her independence the United 
States dispatched her war vessels to different ports, opening commu- 
nication with every nation for her merchant ships and her commerce, 
and sending into foreign markets her Cotton, Rice, Tobacco, Hemp, 
Minerals, &c., and receiving in exchange their Silks, Tea, Coffee, 
Ivory, Wines, Brandies, and other productions of foreign countries, 
as well as the Arts and Sciences. But after the war between Eng- 
land and America, the former seems to have found out that Slavery 
was a great evil, and she sent out a naval force to suppress the Afri- 
can Slave Trade. 

Was it England's love for the protection of that race of people — 
or was it her intention of weakening the U.S. Government, with a 
faint hope of subjugating her again ? These are questions for impar- 
%isil consideration. The overhauling of our American vessels in the 
Gulf Stream, by the British war stermer Styx, the burning of the 



OF DR. ROGERS. 9 

American steamer Cai'oline, on Lake Erie by McCloud, the English- 
man, are questions yet to be settled . 

Late statistics show that 5,000,000 persons were supported In 
England by Cotton — 30,000,000 spindles employed in the production 
of the yarn, and the capital absorbed exceeds $150,000,000 Fom'-fifths 
of the cotton consumed in England, 800,000,000 lbs, was American. 

The total number of Slaves, according to the census of 1860, which 

were emancipated by the Proclamation of the President of the United 

States, was 3,404,925, viz : 

Alabama 435,132 

Arkansas 11,114 

Florida 61,753 

Georgia 462,232 

Louisiana 333,010 

Mississippi 436,696 

North Carolina 331,081 

South Carolina 403,541 

Tennessee 215,184 

Texas 180,682 

Eastern Virginia 315,000 

The increase will make the aggregate at the present time fully 
3,500,000, and some say 4,000,000. 

If the foregoing table be correct, then we can see very clearly why 
the British Government allowed rebel iron clads and rebel ships of 
war to be fitted out in her docks for action against the U. States. 
England has long had an eagle eye upon our cotton, rice and tobacco 
fields, and she perhaps has overlooked her table of recognition, but 
it seems that she has not yet forgot the lesson she received from the 
United States Government in 1814. There is little danger of the 
intervention of France whilst she can see those almighty dollars, 
which we yet owe her on Louisiana, which she well knows would be 
confiscated the moment she snorted. 

The object of this celebration to-day is to bind the colored man In 
feeling ten fold stronger to the Union white man than he ever was 
before, and it is not possible the South can ever gain her indepen- 
dence over the United States after this and other acts of freedom 
which must be hereafter. Had the South ofiTered the same induce- 
ments to the colored man as the North has, at the breaking out of 
this rebellion, the position the colored people held in the South at the 

2 



10 ORATION 

time, and looking forward to a brighter da}^, they would have joined 
the South, and the North never could have conquered the South 
without foreign intervention. But such was not the case. 
/ There are four things the colored man wants to complete his do- 
mestic happiness, to-wit : Freedom, Suffrage, Work and Wages. — 
Give him those four wants and it makes him a citizen in every sense 
of the word. We do not seek to hasten our spirits within the limits 
of the legislative bodies, nor to mingle our voice within the halls of 
the Congress of the nation, but we simply ask permission to say by 
our sacred votes whom we shall have to rule over us. Give us those 
four wants and then we can say that slavery is done forever ; but not 
until then. But after the manifestations of our loyalty to the United 
States Government, still we have a few thoughts to communicate 
which bear important considerations. We ask the right of suffrage 
for these reasons : 

That we are loyal citizens and true to the U. States Government — 
that we are ready and willing to defend our country's flag at a mo- 
ment's warning — that our forefathers fought, bled and died under 
Gen. Jackson in 1814-15 in the glorious cause of American liberty — 
that our brothers are now upon the field, pouring out their hearts' 
blood in the support of the same cuse — that when Gen. Shepley 
called upon us in defense of our then threatened city we responded 
to his call, and in the short space of 48 hours we had one regiment 
armed, equipped and ready for marching orders. 

That many of us are owners of real estate and personal property, 
and pay an annual tax throughout the State on many millions of 
dollars. 

That many of us are welf qualified to go to the polls, and we ask 
that right by qualification only.j 

But inasmuch as wejknow that God has the matter in hand, that in 
his own appointed time he will turn the national wheel, and the 
colored nian will draw the capital prize of elective franchise. 

Although we are true lovers of our country and its flag, we can but 
show our objections to any intermarriages between the two races. 
As I could] not permit any white man to marry my daughter, so I 
would ask the white man to take the same position as myself. Then 



OF DR. ROGERS. ll 

let US respect each other, and let us live together as friends — let us 
defend the Union together ; but when it comes to the marriage vow, 
let our motto be color to color. Otherwise it would seem as though 
the two races had lost all self-respect. It would bring about a 
national slander, and it wonld impair our reputation in the estimation 
of foreign powers. 

Then let us wait for two hundred years yet, which will give ample 
time for the agitation of such a question as that to which I am still 
opposed. But as there will be great changes in the policy of nations 
before that period, we know not what the future will bring forth ; 
yet I must oppose such intermarriages from the due respect I owe 
to the colored ladies. 
^ Many of our colored ladies are milliners, dress makers and other 
needle workers of taste and art. Amongst our young colored men 
are tailors, hatters, shoe makers, school teachers, clerks, secretaries, 
&c. Let these be encouraged for their future elevation in arts and 
sciences. ) 

President Lincoln said to a committee of colored gentlemen that 
called upon him at Washington, that the two races could not live 
together, and that they must separate. Then will the President and 
Congress give us a State or territory adapted to our race ? Say 
Texas — and if so, we will make it the brightest star that shines upon 
the American flag. 

But let us give thanks to the commanding General of this depart- 
ment, Major Gen. Banks, for his timely and wise Educational Order, 
his instruction to the delegates of the State Convention before its 
session, and his labor system — all of which have given general satis- 
faction to the colored people throughout the State. 

Let us also give our thanks to Gov. M. Hahn, Col. Hanks, Rev. 
Mr. Conway, Thos. J. Durant, B. F. Flanders, W. R. Crane, Chas. 
FosDicK, and many others of our Union friends, for their good feeling 
towards our race in this great struggle. And many thanks are due 
Judge Durell and other members of the State Convention for their 
heroic act, in striking a death blow at Slavery in the State of Louis- 
iana, on the 11th day of May, 1864, 



12 Address bY 

We are now on board the national snip, crossing the Hatteras of 
Rebellion. She sometimes reels and totters, but her noble comman- 
der and her manly sailors spread her canvass to the breeze, and she 
outrides every storm, and will soon land in the harbor of peace and 
tranquility. 

The United States flag is destined to float over Cuba, Mexico and 
Canada, and in less than three hundred years it will float over the Tower 
of London— for the Lord will aflict England for this war now raging, 
of which she is the sole cause ; and the fear of going back into sla- 
very will keep the colored man forever upon the field of battle — 
preferring death to slavery ; and he will defend the Stars and Stripes 
as his country's flag, under whose protection he enjoys his freedom. 

To God the Father, God the Son, 
To God the Spirit, three in one, 
Be honor praise and glory given, 
By all on earth and all in heaven ! 



ADDRESS 

(ORIGINALLY DELIVERED IN FRENCH,) ON THE 11th JUNE, 1864. 
By F. BOISDORE. 

Fellow Countrymen — 

I shall perhaps be taxed vv^ith temerity in having undertaken 
to address you on the occurrence of this solemn day — the 11th May, 
1864 1 But urged by friends, and grateful for the most courteous 
invitation of the administrative committee, I concluded once more to 
give this proof of my obedience, and above all of my humble devotion 
to the cause of my caste, but considering my incapacity I must rely 
on your fraternal indulgence, 



F. BOISDORE. 13 

]Fellow Countrymen ! — On this memorable day, whicli we have 
devoted to the celebration of the emancipation of our brethren, who 
l)ut yesterday were in bondage, under the infamous yoke of slavery, 
let us begin by raising our hearts to the great Architect of the Uni- 
verse and tender him our livelv and solemn thankfulness ! Who 
would not, in sight of those glorious banners displayed to our eyes, 
acknowledge the intervention of divine providence, which never 
ceased to watch over the destiny of our caste, for too long a time 
enslaved and oppressed. Yes, let us tender our homage to the great 
sovereign of the Universe ! Yes, it is in his name that we ought to 
celebrate the 11th May, 1864, the anniversary of the final emancipa- 
tion of our brothers ! Yes, we ought to understand that in celebra- 
ting this glorious day we honor the memory of our ancestors, who 
were slaves ! We honor the memory of our mothers, of whom three- 
fourths were born and died in slavery ! 

Fellotv Countryvicn! What sweet and sacred emotions must 
cheer the hearts of those honorable sixty-three members of the Con- 
vention w^ho had the noble courage to vote in majority for emanci- 
pation, in remembering this liberal action ! And the honorable Pre- 
sident of the Convention, in affixing his signature to this noble act, 
for the aboHtion of slavery, must he not have believed that his pen 
vvas sustained by the spirit of the immortal Washington ! 

Glory to you, members of the Convention ! in the name of the 1 1th 
May, 1864 ! Your names will be blessed forever in our grateful hearts! 
Our emancipated brethren will impress on the minds of their children 
to venerate the names of their liberators — they will bless them and 
hand them down to their posterity ! They will think and talk of 
you, and everyone in singing praise to the immortal Abraham Lincoln, 
will find a gratification in joining your names with that of this great 
sage, in uttering with delight— long live the immortal Abraham 
Lincoln I 

Long life also to Ariail, Austin, Bailey, Barrett, Beauvais, Bell, 
Bontant, Bromley, Burke, Cazabat, J. Cook, Crozat, Cutler, David, 
Duane, Edwards, Eunis, Fish, Flagg, Flood, Foley, Fosdick, Fuller, 
Geier, Goldman, Gaidry, Healy, Hart, Heard, Henderson, Holls, Hero, 



14 ADDRESS BY 

Howes, Kavagan, Knobloch, Kugler, Maas, Mann, Millspaugh, Morris, 
Newell, Norman, Orr, T. Payne, Pintado, Poynot, John Purcell, 
Sclirocder, Se^^mour, Shaw, Smith, Spellicy, Stocker, Stiner, Stauffer, 
Talliaferro, Terry, Col. Thorpe, Thomas, Wells, Wilson, 

These, my Fellow Countrymen, are the names of the sixty-three 
promoters of the act of emancipation. They are those who, as if 
armed with the Holy Scriptures in one hand, and holding the Decla- 
ration of Independence in the other, energetically pronounced the 
sacred words — " Slavery is an eflfront to nature ! Slavery is a blot on 
our act of indei^endcnce, which declares all men to be born free and 
equal !" 

My Emancipated Brofhcrs ! — 

It is particularly to you that I address myself. This day, for- 
ever memorable, should efface from your remembrance all your past 
misfortunes — all the cruel treatment which weighed upon you almost 
from your cradles ; forget all the extortions, all the insults, all the 
tortures which you have suffered — forget them in the name of the sun 
of Liberty which shone upon the event of the 11th May, 1864 ! 
No more chains, no more pillory ! Forget your numberless priva- 
tions — forget that but yesterday you were yet crushed under the yoke 
of the hardest slavery — forget all the crying injustice which you had 
to suffer. Be generous, ' like the first martyrs — forgive your cruel, 
inhuman masters ! Efface from you memory those scenes of horror 
which only slavery could give birth to ! Liberty claims you ! You 
are now free men ! you no longer are the instruments, the beasts of 
burden to a man like yourself ! To-day you have a will of your own ! 
You are your own masters — you have your own free will ! What, 
do you fear to fall back to the days of barbarity ? with hands ever 
ready to obey the dark wickedness of a master or mistress, who 
(perhaps just returned from holy communion with his God) castigates 
and mutilates you with the scourging whip 1 Finally, are you afraid 
of the renewal of those times, when you were transported from one 
State to another, far from your families, your children, stripped and 
bereft of all by the caprice of a hard master, who knew no other law 
but his own will ! No, no more such cruel acts — those horrid times 



F. BOISDORE. 15 

will not return any more ! Slavery, that genius of evil, has given 
way to that true Liberty, for such a long time profaned 1 

Let them tremble, above all those cruel masters ! Let them feel 
sorry for the unheard of torments they inflicted on you ! But in the 
name of God ! in the name of the llth May, 1864 ! ! you ought to 
pardon— ,you should forget all and every thing ! Let that solemn day 
awake every sentiment of pity, and be you all inspired with one 
desire— of a general absolution and forgiveness to those who called 
themselves your masters — your superiors as creatures ! Pity for 
them ! Pity, a thousand times more pity ! Like so many old tigers 
they groan in their dens — their claws are pared forever ! 

Slavery, that scourge, has disappeared ; it exists as yet only 
in the States occupied by Mr. Jefferson Davis, the democrat, who 
says he is fighting for Liberty ! Mr. Jefferson Davis a democrat ! 
He who in spite of civilization intended to perpetuate the slavery of 
our caste ! Wnat democracy, what derision ! Therefore he could 
not count on the scorn of that liberal France, that proud England, 
that of old Spain in particular, and of all Europe in general ! But 
he had not foreseen that punishment that he is on the eve of under- 
going — chastisement by which slavery will be swept away and anni- 
hilated. Slavery, thou cursed anti-christian institution, thou shalt 
not any longer prosper in the United States ! The blood of John 
Brown has forever planted the tree of liberty in its bosom ! Vainly 
will the hurricane blow, its roots will propagate more and more, in 
the name of Christianity ! 

Therefore, my emancipated brothers, fear no more ! The sweat of 
your brow now belongs to yourselves ; no insatiable, inexorable man- , 
masters to render accounts to ! you are sure to reap the benefits of 
what you possess. Work with eagerness and emulation — give proof 
that you fully comprehend that liberty does not consist in idlenes, 
and laziness ! Liberty does not mean to sleep from morning till night 
the belly turned to the sun ! Fight against the absurd and preju- 
diced arguments of the slave party, who by means of their news- 
papers and on the street corners, will not refrain from repeating 
" that the negro is indolent, so much given to laziness that he ought 



16 ADDRESS BY 

to be a slave that he may be compelled to work" — for then they can cut 
him and whip him ad libitum, ill use and abuse him ! Prove to those 
unjust slave partisans, my brethren, Ihat they are in the wrong, that 
there absurdities are numerous ; prove to them that God has created 
us all free, that the earth is pleased to be cultivated by freemen and 
citizens ! Prove to them that any man may be white or black, or 
yellow, having all the same organization, subject to the same enjoy- 
ments, suffering from the same pain, having the same wants — that 
the black man, like the white man, is capable of the same activity, of 
the same love of labor, when that labor provides him with the means 
of comfort and ease for himself and family. Yes, my brethren, go to 
work, go to work ! Encourage your brethren from the country to 
love their plantations. It is your duty to make them understand that 
men, although free, ought to work, in order to bring up their children 
and give them a good education. True liberty is only preserved by 
the practice of all social virtues. Reprobate licentiousifess, disorder, 
prostitution, debauch. Divide well your time, you will find enough 
to instruct yourself — learn to read, to write ! Eemember that Fred- 
erick Douglass, (of Manchester, N. Y.) that celebrated orator, that 
eminent lawyer, of our own caste, that Frederick Douglas, who 
glories in the defense of his countrymen, has been a slave ! and that 
up to the age of 25 he did not know how to read ! What extraor- 
dinary genius ! Born under the brutish rod of slavery, all means of 
instruction were forbidden him ; he owes to his energy all the 
display of his genius. Let those among you who as yet cannot read, 
courageously set to work to learn ; then our most inveterate enemies 
will be obhged to submit to evidence derived from the right and 
privilege given to liberty. Your intellectual faculties will be dis- 
played with as much facility as theirs. Then their prejudice against 
the black race will give way to reason, the same as darkness gives 
way to the rays of the sun. 

Do not fear, your chains are broken ! Fortify the ardor of the 
Northern philanthropists. Some of them are dodging as yet. They 
are occasionally captivated by the lying writings of the slave party. 
Few of them have attained to that pure, rational radicalism which 



F. BOISDORE. l*r 

is the gift of Freemont, Greely, Sumner, Phillips, Butler^ Hanks, Con- 
way, and those of the creed of Thomas J. Duraut. 

Prove to the whole world that although stupefied, you are not de- 
moralized ; prove to them that Louisiana, delivered from that scourgw 
which degraded her in the eyes of the European liberals, will attain 
a degree of splendor hitherto unknown to her. Remember always 
that submission to laws, just and equitable for all, and the respect 
due to upright magistrates are sacred duties, Avhich every man con- 
scious of his dignity, should never deviate from ; receding from these 
principles is the upsetting of all social order ; it is returning to bar- 
barity, to anarchy ! 

Brethren, the enemies of our caste, our former old satraps, try all 
possible means in order to render us contemptible in the eyes of for- 
eign nations — who arc sometimes led estray by the lying, cowardly 
writings, which certain venal pamphleteers, without conscience, bring 
to light : and first impressions are done away with difliculty. To all 
those deceptive pamplets and speeches, let us reply by tho opening 
and reading of the American Declaration of Independence. Therein 
will be found an answer to all these false inductions in the following 
words : " All men are born free and equal" ! Let us prove that wo 
are aware that those words, dictated by virtuous men, are based 
upon the principles of religion, morality and universal justice. 

Ah, my countrymen, this prejudice of caste is the most absurd 
of all prejudice — shocking to man in the nobility of his creation ! 

My emancipated Brothers, it is your duty to remember on thi^^ 
great day, May 11th, that all men are alike the same, wherever they 
may reside, whatever may be their origin — that their degradation is 
owing to their vices only, and to the odious yoke of slavery. 

My Brethren, not wishing to abuse your indulgence much longer, 
permit me only to make a few more remarks in remembrance of this 
glorious day, forever abusing the odious and auti-christian principles 
of slavery. 

Therefore conscious of the past, present and future, we should bo 
well aware that the act of emancipation is the beginning for us of a 
social position in the civilized world, worthy of the great covenant of 
the founders of the- mighty Amex'ican republic. 



18 ADDRESS BY 

The hour of your majority will soon strike 1 Let us not be afraid. 
We cannot harbor the idea of ever seeing the revival of that time 
when the infernal Black Code shone in the clutches of our former 
magistrates ! Can we expect the renewal of slavery, the times when 
our brothers were lacerated and tortured in the name of the ironical 
democracy of the South ! No. my fellow countrymen, no, brothers, 
those times will never return ag,ain — they have been struck down by 
celestial light I 

The time is near when our oppressors in the name of reason, in the 
name of God, will take the oath, like yourselves, under this star span- 
gled banner, forever to detest slavery, to detest forever the so-called 
Confederacy — forever to reject any attempt to renew the prejudice 
of caste ! They will acknowledge and confirm to all and every one 
the right of citizenship — their right to be electors, and consequently 
their right to be also themselves elected. 

Christians as we are, let us remember forever that our holy religion 
is an edifying one ; let us fly from those, who by a usurped right 
pretend to domineer over us by their slave-love principles. Let us 
be aware that our Lord Jesus Christ, the only true democrat, by the 
bonds of mercy has united the men of all countries, and his holy re- 
ligion, like the rays of the sun, belongs to the universe. Therefore 
lot us do homage to that supreme omnipotent greatness. 

May the government of Lincoln prove a triumphant one, vanquish- 
ing this odious rebellion ! that slavery, bondage and tyranny, what- 
ever form it may assume, may disappear forever from the world. — 
May all nations enjoy their just rights and privileges, in the name of 
liberty, justice and fraternity 'l 

Long live the 11th May, 1864 1 

Undoubtedly our worthy Governor Ilahn, and our virtuous Gen. 
Banks are true patriots ; great are the services they have rendered to 
the cause of liberty ; but in view of that glorious star spangled ban- 
ner, and in the name of the 4th of July, 1716, we predict that they 
have not yet reached the terminus which the decrees of divine Prov- 
idence have assigned to their liberal principles 1 Yes, honor and 



3^ b 

r, BOISDORK. 19 

glory to you Governor, to you General 1 It is under your auspices 
that liberty has succeeded our brethren's slavery 1 The Black Code, 
that savage book, is destroyed — but as yet wo are not citizens of our 
own country. That memorable day, 11th May, 1864, does not give 
us all our due rights, notwithstanding tho rebel presses. On you, 
General, we rely, for our future ! On you are founded all our hopes ! 
It is from your powerful intercession that wc expect to come in pos- 
session of those inalienable rights which characterize a people truly 
free I Shall we forever occupy an intermediate place ? A place or 
condition only equal to that of the Indian pariahs ! 

No, unshaken in your principles, essentially radical, your dearest 
desire, we are sure, on returning to private life, will be accomplished 
if you can say to us — "We have restored to fellow-citizens their just 
rights, which the odious system of slavery had deprived them of 1 
We have restored to them all their prerogatives 1 !" 

This General and Governor is our dearest hope ; and that in the 
name of justice, of equity, and the spirit of the 19th century 1 



♦ » 



ORATION 

Of the Rev. W. A. Dove, recently from the North, delivered before 
the Union Brotherhood, in Wesley Chapell, July 4, 1864. 

" M. President, this is the first time that I have had the pleasure of 
meeting your honorable body and I feel thankful for the honor thus 
conferred upon me. Fellow citizens, I received your note inviting me 
to deliver an oration before you, but the notice was too short to al- 
low me to prepare one befitting the occasion, and I will simply make 
a few plain remarks — I will talk to you as I do my own beloved Con- 
gregation. 



20 OBATION BT 

When tlie houorable goutleman was reading the Declaration of 
Independeuce, mj mliid was carried back to those days, and how long 
and how hard were the struggles through which those brare patriots 
passed to achieve their Independence from the British yoke, and . 
I hope I may be spared to see the day come that we can call our 
own Independence day, when we shall have all the righta of free- 
men. We have once been a nasion, the first' raonarch that ever sat 
upon a throne wfts an African. 

Allow me, Gentlemen and Ladies, to present you a golden chain 
with eeren golden links. 

The first link in Union. 

The dying words of Washington, were " United we stand, divided 
we fall," and the truth of those words have been verified in the his- 
tory of the present rebellion. Look at the Anglo-Saxon race, one 
of the greatest nations of the earth of the present day, a nation 
whoee banner floats over every sea, and respected and feared by all 
nations. What do w© behold? One of the bloodiest wars that ever 
cursed a nation, struggling for existance. Blood and treasure poured 
out like water. This is the result of disunion. Brethren, if any peo- 
ple in the world ought to be united, it is the African race of 
America]' 

It has always been the grand object of the Southern portion of the 
white race to keep the black man disunited by fostering and en- 
couraging tale-bearing' from the kitchen to the house. Telling news 
upon each other has been practised to an alarming extent ! This 
must be stopped. If wo have been bad, we must change our course 
»nd be good. AVe arc just emerging out of darkness into light. The 
eyes of the v/hole world are turned towards the Africans of America 
to see what will become of them. Let us be united, and help each 
other. 

Let us take for example the German and Irish who come to our 
shores, some without a penny ; did you ever have one to come to 
you for a place to sleep only one night ? No. And why ! Because 
those who were here before them always made a provision for their 
own ; they would unite and assist their countrymen until they could 



REV. W. A. DOVE. 21 

help themselves. And this is the secret of their success in life. And 
we must do the same if we ever expect to be a people. 

He also referred to the story of the bundle of sticks in the Bible. 

The second link is industry. We must be industrious if we wish 
to disappoint the enemies of our race, and refute the base charge 
that we are an indolent people and would starve if freed. When un- 
der bondage some of us had to be smart to make mono}' for our own 
use to supply our wants and to enjoy ourselves. And now that we 
have such great responsibilities resting upon us, it becomes us to be 
more industrious. 

The third link — look at a Yankee nation ; take them as our exemple 
in this respect. When this war broke out, "chivalry" thought they 
had all the money, as they had made a great deal from Uncle Sam. 
But they spent it too freely. Not so with Mr. Yank ; he made his 
money by hard work, both of brain and limb and he knew how to keep 
it. Go if you will and call upon a New England or Western planter, 
who was never known to wear a suit costing over ten dollars. Ask 
him for money to help to carry on the war. Watch him; 3'ou will see 
him go to his little bank (a hole in the ground) and l)ring- 10 or 20 
thousand dollars in hard cash, although he is but a poor farmer. 
Where is the money that we have made in this city ? Gone, all was- 
ted. Brethren, this is wrong in us ; economy is the road to wealth, 
and we should pursue it. 

The fourth link in the golden chain is Honesty, in persuing the 
road to wealth, let honesty be our watchword. Cheating and all 
fraudulent practices should and must be driven from our midst. De- 
ception has destroyed the colored race, and dishonesty has almost 
destroyed the Union. 

The fifth link is Temperance — deal carefully with that man des- 
royer, "fire-water," as the Indian term it, be temperate in our meats 
and drinks and in all things : by so doing Ave will always have all 
a clear head and be readv for business attimes. 

The sixth link is Piet}', This virtue is necessary. Without it we 
are not respected as we desire to be. With it we are respected and 
trusted by all who know us. With Godly piety and fear we will be 



22 ORATION BY REV. W. A. DOVB. 

constrained to bo honest and industrious ; and having the love of 
God in our hearts in all time of need, will know where and to whom 
we can go for relief. 

The seventh link is Intelligence. 

Fellow-citizens, we must be intelligent before we can ever reach 
that standard of elevation for which we are now striving, and before 
we can expect to get our rights as freemen, we must first know how 
to use them. We will in future have to deal with the Yankees, (I am 
a Yankee,) and they work bj the head. We must know something 
about figures before we can cope successful with them. 

When it comes to dollars and cents if we can keep up with them it 
is all right ; but if they beat you in figures, they will pocket the 
money and go on ; it will be none of their business if you loose your 
money. 

Educate your children. 

In war we are the white man's equel ; in the dance his equel ; in 
rough and tumble fist and skull fighting his superior ; but for the cul- 
tivation of intellect, I must say, we are most of us iaferior to him In 
former times, at the North, a handsome young man or women could 
easily get married for their good looks, but things have now changed ; 
they have discovered that true beauty lies in the brain. Hence an 
intelligent and industrious person — let them be ever so homely — is 
the first to marry ; they have learned to appreciate intelligence and 
industry. Had our forefathers been intelligent, we never would have 
been an oppressed, enslaved people. Had the Red Man of the forest 
been intelligent, his race, instead of being broken up and scattered 
over the earth as they are, they would have been masters of the 
North American continent to day. The want of intelligence has 
been a curse to the African as well as to other nations. 

Qentlemen and Ladies, I am done ; be firm, be faithful and true to 
your principles and to yourselves, and this great and noble enterprise 
will be crowned with success. 

Dr. R. Smith, Vice President elect, was called, but declined. Rev. 
J. Reese, President of the Third District Union Brotherhood Associa- 
tion, was called, he briefly addressed the audience touching upon the 



'^ .. >. 

•^\/^ 



ARTS ASSOCIATION. 23 

various topics of the day, urging united action and the great necessi- 
ty of patronizing each other in business. After which the meeting ad- 
journed with singing. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. W. 
A. Dove, pastor of St. James Chapel. 



AMERICAN ARTS ASSOCIATION. 



This Society was founded July 1st, 1864, through the exertions 
of Dr. S. W. Rogers, Esau Carter, Henry Berryman, Dr. R. Smith, 
Chas. Hughes and Joseph Lacy. 



GRAND EXHIBITION OF ARTS 



A grand Exhibition of the " American Arts Association," by the 
colored people of New Orleans, was held in the Lyceum Hall, over 
the City Hall, on Monday, 1st August, 1864, in honor of Emancipation 
in the British West India Islands, at the date of the Coronation of 
her Britannic Majesty, Queen Victoria, in 1834. 

At 10 o'clock on the morning of the 1st, the colored people began 
to assemble at the first Baptist Church, Rev. N. D. Sanders, pastor, 
from all parts of the city, with duplicates of their various Trades of 
domestic Arts. At 11 o'clock the procession formed and took up the 
line of march to the City Hall, under the direction of the following 
named Grand Officers : 



24 ARTS ASSOCIATION. 

Grand Marshal, First District, ESAU CARTER. 

Second District, CHARLES HUGHES, 

Tliird District, R. SMITH, EDWARD SIMMS. 

Fourtli District, HENRY BERRYMAN. 

Capt. E. MILLER, Grand Marslial of the Day. 

Rev. Dr. ROGERS, Orator of tiie Day. 

At half past eleven o'clock, the procession was seated in Lyceum 
Hall with all the specimens of tlicir industry laid upon tho different 
tables, for the inspection of invited guests and tho public at large. 
In front of the President's chair, was placed upon a beautiful 
mahogny table the bronze bust of Capt. Andre Caillou, who fell on 
the field of battle before Port Hudson, in defence of the United 
States Government. On different tables were spread all the various 
works of nature's hand ; and many spectators expressed much sur- 
prise to see so many specimens of the industry of the colored people, 
before unknown to them. At 12 o'clock Capt. E. Millier, Grand 
Marshal of the day, reported to Mr. Esau Carter, President, that 
all was ready. The President then declared the house in order for 
l)usiness, and introduced, Kev. Dr. Rogers orator of tho day, who 
came forwb^rd in his usual calm manner and acquitted himself before 
the American Arts Association with all the eloquence of an orator. 

After the oration and other addresses, the President of the Asso- 
ciation, invited the guests to walk round and inspect the various 
works of art and industry on exhibition, A Committee was also 
appointed to destribute prizes to different persons, in token of tho 
high respect for their skill, a list of which will bo seen immediately 
following the Oration. 

Resolutions were adopted, calling a Grand National Fair in New 
Orleans, on the 1st of January, 1865, under the authority and pro- 
tection of the Government, State and City. All passed off quietly. 

The President, with many ladies, Grand Officers, Orator of the Day, 
and many friends, retired to the residence of Rev. N. D. Sanders, 
where a large table of refreshments awaited them, spread with all 
the delicases of the season. After they had enjoyed themselves as 
friends and clnistians, they all parted in friendship and retired to 
their respective places of abode. 



.•?// 



SPEECH 

Of the Rev. S. W. Rogers, delivered at the opening of the Exhibition 

of the " American Arts Association" under the auspices of the 

Colored Societies, at Lyceum Hall, New Orleans, La. on the 1st 

of August, 1864, iu celebration of "Emancipation" in the West 
India Islands. 

Fellow Citizens: 

The records of the past anniversaries of this auspicious day, 
warrant this great assembly, which in concurrence, with our foreign 
brethren, join in the celebration of " Frccdom^s JuhileeP 

On the 12th October, 1492, some three hundred and seventy two 
years ago, Columbus first discovered land in America. May 5th, 1494, 
he discovered the W. India Islands, and in 1563, some three hundred 
years ago. Slavery was first introduced into the V/est India Islands 
by the English, In 1517, a patent Avas granted by Charles V for 
an annual import of 4,000 Slaves, to Cuha, Jamaica, and Puerto 'Rico. 

In 1620, slavery was introduced into the colony of Virginia by the 
Dutch, who landed some twenty or more slaves and put them in 
market for sale. 

In 1703, a duty of four pound sterling was levied upon every 
slave imported into the colony of Massachusetts, which gives us 
some idea of the intrinsic value of the same. 

Thus flourished the unholy cause, until the coi'onation of her Bri- 
tannic Majesty struck a final blow to its vitality, and broi^ght about 
the Anniversary which we hail with glad tidings of great joy. 

As it is the ardent desire of the British Nation to rank high among 
the powers that be ; it was not reasonable to suppose, that her sub- 
jects would make a sacrifice of those Islands in one night, without a 
lingering prejudice to the same. But let us look for a moment at the 
world, its grandeur and the powers that be. Previous to the break- 

4 



26 SPEECH BY 

« 

ing out of this Rebellion, the population of the world, as estimated, 
was 1,284,738,000, of which 801,^8,000 were Christians. 

On the 13th August, 1587, tlie first Indian was baptised in Virginia. 
In November, 1620, the first white child, was born in New England. 
In 1632, the first Church Tvas built in Boston. 

There are 57 cities in the world, which contain from 100,000 to 
200,000 inhabitants ; twenty-three cities which contain from 250,000 
to 500,000 and twelve cities which contain over 500,000 each. Before 
this war raged the population of Jerusalem was estimated at a little 
over 20,000 souls, whilst that of London, was 3,500,000, the city of 
Paris 2,000,000, St. Petersburg 600,000, Vienna 500,000, Berlin 
500,000, Naples 500,000, Pekin 2,000,000, New York, 900,000, PhiU 
adelphia 600,000. 

But let us look for a moment at the annual expenses of one of the 
royal powers of earth, say that of England ; and we will there find 
the annual expenses of the Royal Family alone of Great Britian to be 
four viilUons doUar.s, of which the Royal Albert, during his life time, 
received an annual salary of $200,000, although he rendered no other 
assistance to the government than to introduce heirs to the crown. 
The Queen's coachman, postillions and associates, receive an annual 
salary of over $50,000 ; her milk bill $7,000 per year ; her hair 
dresser $5,000 ; her wines alone $50,000 ; the diamonds and pre- 
cious stones that decorate the crown she wears at the opening of 
parliament, cost the people of England the sum of $5,000,000. 

But with all the earthly glories that decorate the British throne, 
she is still hostile to the American Government. Many acts of hos- 
tility committed against the United States by the Cross of St. George 
lie on the table of time subject to call. The burning of the American 
steamer Caroline, on Lake Erie, some twenty years ago, by a British 
subject named McCloud — the overhauling of American vessels in the 
Gulf Stream, by her Britannic Majesty's war steamer Styx, in 1858 — 
Mr. Roebuck's resolution before the British House of Commons, asking 
the recognition of the Southern Confederacy — Lord Clarendon's re- 
marks to the Hon. George M. Dallas, the American minister, in the 
royal convention at London — again, the British Government's refusal 



X 



3/1^ 



DR. ROGERS. 21 

of admission to the American war steamer Kearsage to her docks for 
repairs and granting full permission to the rebel privateer Alabama 
for the same — and at the sinking of the Alabama by the Kearsarge, 
we are informed, that British oiticers were fonnd on board the rebel 
privateer in arms against the United States : 

The foregoing facts are sufficient to justify the belief of an unfriend- 
ly feeling upon the part of England towards this country. 

But let us look for a moment at American industry. We find at 
the breaking out of the present rebellion there were in the United 
States 1515 iron works, 882 furnaces, 488 forges, 225 rolling mills, 
which produced 850,000 tons iron per year, the value of which is 
$50,000,000, and the principal labor employed was slave labor. 

Since the breaking out of this unholy war the United States has 
emancipated her slaves, armed them as freemen, partially wiped out 
the rebellion, sunk the Alabama and is now on her march to Richmond. 

Her Stripes and Stars wave over this hall, in which her sons and 
daugters have assembled to exhibit to the world their handy work in 
the domestic arts and sciences. 

In this hall on the 11th May, 18G4, by a sacred vote of the delegates 
of the Free State Convention, then in session, a death blow was 
struck at the accursed sin of American slavery. Then let us with 
gratitude and cheers announce this as the Hall of Lihvrtyl And 
with gratitude painted upon every brow our colored ladies and gen- 
tlemen have come up en masse to show to the world at large the arts 
of their own industry — such as Music, Gallery of Arts, Dresses, Bon- 
nets, Needle Work — Flowers, Lace, Socks, Segars, Horse Shoes, 
Confectionery, Vegetation, Carpenter Work ; in fine, specimens of al- 
most all branches of industry. 

Let us return our heartfelt thanks to the Hon. Judge Durell, Pre- 
sident, and the members of the Convention, who by their sacred 
votes, on the 11th May, 1864, struck a death blow to slavery in this 
very hall. 

And now since freedom has been declared, the colored people of 
this State will never go back into slavery whilst God sets upon his 
unclouded throne, The very thought of returning into slavery will 



28 



SPEECH BY 



forever keep the colored man upon the fiehl of battle fighting for 
Liberty. Then let us be united as one man — lovers of our country's 
flag, protecting our poor, respecting the rights granted us either by 
the Legislature of the State or b}^ the Congress of the nation — rights 
which we seek only through proper qualiticati-on. 

The colored man when armed and equipped for war knows no re- 
treat in battle, preferring to lose his life on the field rather than lose 
a victory. 

Let foreign nations question the power of the United States Gov- 
ernment and agitate the same until war is declared, and then shall 
the American Eagle with her Stars and Stripes in the rear, expand 
her pinions and rise high above the clnuds of every opposition, ligh^ 
upon the pinnacle of fame, and proclaim herself the champion of the 
world's freedom ! 

Then let us all unite as one people in defending our common 
country, its flag, and our poor; knowing tliat our cliildren are receiv- 
ing their daily education, under that golden order of Major General 
Banks. 

Then since we are thus far encouraged with our city Exhibition, let 
us look forward to a greater tliome, and let the colored people of this 
Industrial League of Arts make readv to hold a Grand National Fair 
in this city on the 1st day of January, in honor of President Lincoln's 
Emancipation Proclamation. 

Let each State be invited to send some work of art of its own 
industry. Let a committee of colored gentlemen and ladies be ap- 
pointed by the colored people of each State to take charge of their 
goods, to be directed to the care and protection of the Governor of 
Louisiana, or the Mayor of New Orleans. The commanding General 
will give us a house to store our goods in. 

Let there be a prize awarded to the colored people of the State that 
produces the finest work of art ; and also let the income be divided 
among the poor colored people of each State that sends a committee 
with specimens of her industry. The sales of goods and refreshments, 
and the income at the door, would bring, I think, to the wants of 



DR. ROGERS. 29 

our poor colored people at home and abroad, the net profit of about 
$50,000. 

Such an Exhibition will undoubtedly arouse a great spirit of emu- 
lation both North and South. New York, Pennsylvania, Massachu- 
setts, Connecticut, Ohio, Rhode Island, Missouri and Michigan would 
all send their committees with specimens of their industry of the 
finest quality. 

Will Louisiana stand still and let another State come here and take 
the prize ? I think not ; and though she may lose in this friendly 
contest, her artizans will never rest satisfied until they have proved 
themselves the equal in skill of those from any part of the Union. 

England called a world's Fair in London, which sent all foreign 
powers in haste to their fields of art ; and the United States called a 
world's Pair in New York, which caused foreigners to come over to 
this side of the water with their various trades. Other foreign powers 
followed suit with their fairs, until they have become great stimulaats 
to skill and industry. 

Let us conclude with thanks and gratitude to Abraham Lincoln, 
President of these United States, ; Lieut. Gen. Grant, Major Gens. 
Butler, Banks, Canby, and Sickles ; Admirals Farragut and Porter ; 
Col. Hanks, Rev. Mr. Conway, Thomas J. Durant, W. R. Crain, H. 
Train and A. Fernandez. We would especially return our thanks to 
Col. A. C. Hills, editor of the Era, for the christian like manner in 
which he has spoken through his press of the glorious cause of Free- 
dom. To all other Union white men and women wc return our 
sincere thanks. 

We mourn the loss of Capt. Andre Caillou and his brave compan- 
ions, who fell at Port Hudson, in defence of the honor of his race 
and his country's flag, and sympathise with their faraihes and friends 
in their bereavement. 



I. I S T F PRIZES 



AWARDED AT THE 



AMERrCAN ARTS ASSOCIATION, NEW ORLEANS 



'• B.mks' March," Piece of Music, by Sam'l Saner prize. 

*' Romance of Mrs. Banks" " " " prize . 

Photographic Gallery, by Dr. S. W. Rogers prize . 

Likeness of W. A. Dove, Gentlemen's First prize. 

Likeness of Mr. H. Clay, '* Second prize . 

Likeness of W. W. Ruby " Third prize . 

Likeness of Miss Luda Green Ladies' First prize. 

Likeness of Mrs. Cora Ann Johnson, Ladies' Second prize. 

Likeness of Mrs. Parthina Lockwood " Third prize. 

A work written by Dr. S. W. Rogers, called " Rogers' Composition'' prize. 

Mrs. Elvira Johnson, muslin dress made to order prize. 

Miss Alice Meilleur, crochet work prize. 

Miss Anai'se Meilleur, letters in needle work prize. 

Miss Luda Green, Flowers in needle work prize . 

Mrs. Maria Johnson, muslin buff dress prize. 

Mrs. Susan Mitchell, pin cushion prize . 

Mrs. Martha A. Rogers, bonnet for milliner prize . 

Miss Jane Day (laundress) fluting prize . 

Little Miss Sarah Toolcy, doll's dress prize. 

Miss Elizabeth Humphreys, tidy crochet prize . 

Miss Mary Turney, hemstitching prize . 

Mrs. Maria Young, gentlemen's pants prize. 

Mrs. Josephine Turner, (laundress) fluting prize. 

Mrs. Jane Roman, dress maker prize . 

Mr. Florence Hewlett, bronze bust of Capt. Andrd Caillou prize. 

Dr. Robert Smith, Dentist, style of setting teeth prize. 



S/^ 



LIST OF PRIZES. 31 

Rev. N. D. Sanders, Holy Bible, Advice to Christians and Sinners prize. 

Miss Mary Hawkins, head dress prize . 

Miss Nancy Hughes, needle case and pin cushion prize . 

Miss Nancy Hughes, national scarf prize . 

Mrs. Winney Gibson, infant's shirt prize. 

Mrs. Maria Rowan, lady's dress prize. 

Miss Willie Ann Porter, lace work prize . 

Miss Mary Verrett, lace work and net prize . 

Miss Harriet Wright, embroidery prize . 

Miss Elizabeth Bailey, lady's dress prize. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Bailey, head dress prize . 

Mrs. Harriet Sheppard, (laundress) vest prize . 

Mr. James Turner, (blacksmith) horse shoe prize . 

W. J. Coleman, (sail maker.) specimen sail prize. 

Jessy Winston, (tobacconist) manufactured tobacco prize. 

Mrs. Amy Temple, sweet wafers prize . 

Moses Reed, two cantelope melons prize. 

John Franklin, specimen cars of corn prize. 

Miss Lucinda Green, (confectioner,) ice cream prize. 

Nelson Minor, shoe blacking prize . 

Isaac Griffin, painter prize. 

Mrs. Susan Green, (midwife) lot of babies prize . 

Charles H. Hughes, (baker,) loaf of bread prize . 

MrjJ. If ancy Henrj--, (seamstress) shirts prize . 

Henrj' Berryman, shoemaker, Governnicnt shoos prize . 

And some other minor prizes were also distributed. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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WHOSE CONGREGATIONS ARE 

COMPOSED EXCLUSIVELY OF COLORED PEOPLE. 

WITH THE 

NAMES OF T H E I K S E V E Pt A L PASTORS. 

First African Baptist Rev. N. D. Saiulers, pastor. 

Second African do Rev. Geo. Steptoe, Pastor, 

Tliird African do Rev. J. Davenport, pastor, 

Fourth African do. (St. Marie) Rev. R. H. Stcploe, pastor. 

St. Thomas do. (branch St. Marie). Rev. S. W. Ropjers, pastor. 

St. James, A. M. E Rev. W. A. Dove, pastor. 

Morris Drown, A. M. E Rev. C. C. Doughty, pastor. 

Wesley Chapell, M. E Rev. Anthony Ross, pastor. 

Winen Chapell, M. E Henry Green, pastor. 

Soule Chapell, M. E Rev. Scott Chinn, pastor. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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HoUinger 

pH8.5 

Mill Run F3.1 955 



